Jigsaw has produced this guide to the interviewing process to help give you the edge when it comes to getting the job you want.

Preparation

• Know where you are going, and how best to get there before you set off. Consider where you will park or which station is closest. Allow plenty of time
• Find out the names and job titles of the people interviewing you.
• Research the company. Have a look at the company’s website and any other industry information you can find. Find out what services the company offers, locations in which they work and what size of firm they are.
• Review your CV before the interview. Reread your CV and evaluate your strengths and weaknesses before attending the interview. Consider a few possible examples of your performance and of your involvement with specific projects.
• If possible, review the job description to understand in advance what they are likely to be looking for in terms of experience and responsibility.
• Make sure you look presentable and wear clothing appropriate to the environment you are going to (such as office or site based).
• Take a copy of your CV with you
• Make sure you have contact numbers for your consultant and the interview venue with you

• In our experience a good performance at interview can improve an offer by around 10%
• Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes before your interview
• When introduced to the interviewer(s), look them in the eye, smile, offer them a firm handshake, and wait for them to invite you to sit down
• Keep regular eye contact
• When asked a question, focus on answering it rather then letting yourself go off on a tangent.  Don’t be afraid to ask your Interviewer(s) whether you have answered their question fully
• Don’t make derogatory remarks about your present or former employer, as it can sound unprofessional. Make factual and honest statements where necessary to explain why you are leaving or intending to leave your current role.
• Be confident and enthusiastic.
• Try and avoid asking questions about benefits such as bonus and holiday entitlement during your initial interview unless of course encouraged to do so by the interviewer
• Be honest. If you don’t know something, admit it; the interviewer will know if you try to cover it up

• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• What is your greatest personal achievement? How does it reflect your abilities?
• What goals have you set for yourself? How are you planning to achieve them?
• What interests you about this company/ position?
• What types of situations put you under pressure and how do you deal with that pressure?
• Tell me about a project where you were particularly proud of your contribution?
• Why are you looking to move from your present position?
• What do you know about our company?
• What do you like or dislike about your current job?

Questions you can ask the interviewer

It is worth trying to think of one or two questions to ask the interviewer to show that you have been listening and that you are interested in the opportunity. Even if by this point you have decided the opportunity is not likely to be for you, it is better to keep all your options open at this point
Here are some suggestions:

• Is it a newly created position or will I be replacing someone?
• Who would I be working alongside and who will I report to?
• What opportunities exist to progress within the company?
• What training or induction is provided?
• Do you have any plans for expansion and if so would they impact my role?
• How would things progress from here?